News Releases

Memorial Hermann Receives $5.25 Million in Federal Appropriations

Houston, Texas, February 20, 2003 -- Memorial Hermann Healthcare System's efforts to add patient beds and extend medical services to meet the region's escalating health care demands have received a boost from Washington. Congress has authorized appropriations totaling $5.25 million to be shared among four of the System's community hospitals, as follows:

• $2.5 million for Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital for expansion of emergency services
• $1.7 million for Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital for the purchase of imaging equipment
• $700,000 for Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital for expansion of emergency services
• $350,000 for Memorial Hermann Baptist Orange Hospital for expansion of emergency services

Funding comes through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and augments $420 million in largely bond-financed expansion projects throughout the System that were initiated in 2001. One of the first such projects - construction of a 168-bed, seven story patient tower at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital at a cost of $78 million - was recently completed, with the tower officially opening its doors to patients on Feb. 15.

Congressman Tom DeLay (R-Sugar Land), who, until becoming House Majority Leader this year was the Houston area's sole member of the House Appropriations Committee and congressional leadership, pushed for the funding package. "I'm glad to have been there for Memorial Hermann and our region," said DeLay, whose district includes Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. "In my new role as Majority Leader, I'll continue to pursue the goal of meeting our area's health care needs."

Congressman John Culberson (R-Houston), new House Appropriations Committee member whose district includes Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital and shares Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital with DeLay, submitted a grant request last May to the Committee to include health care funding in the fiscal 2003 Appropriations bill.

"Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital's emergency room is extremely overcrowded and in desperate need of renovation," said Culberson. "Expanding it will allow the hospital to meet the increasing emergency care needs of area residents."

Memorial Hermann Foundation Vice President Robert Rutledge hailed the appropriation, saying "We're very appreciative of the entire Texas Congressional delegation for its support in helping bring resources to Memorial Hermann's community hospitals. These funds will have a direct impact on the quality of patient care in the growing communities that we serve."

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